Mr Linton, who has worked at C+D for just under nine years, received the trophy at a ceremony in London last night (June 27).

Explaining their decision, the AOP judges said: “In a challenging first year under new ownership, Dan delivered a stellar solo performance with a high impact on the business profitability.”

Over the past year, Mr Linton has increased digital revenues by 15%, gained 13 new clients and developed two new advertising products.

The award came under the commercial excellence category, and Mr Linton was up against candidates from the Sunday Times and Dennis Publishing.

C+D editor James Waldron said: “Dan has been pivotal in C+D’s ongoing success as a digital media brand, and this award win was very well deserved.

“The fact he was able to see off competition from the likes of the Sunday Times goes to show that he is operating at the absolute highest level of the industry.”

C+D was shortlisted in three other AOP categories: Digital Editorial Team of the Year – B2B; Audience Development Team of the Year; and Mr Waldron for Digital Editor of the Year.